On Monday, July 13th, 2026, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch convened to discuss several pressing political topics. Central to their conversation was the unexpected death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R–S.C.), recognized as one of Washington’s most persistent advocates for interventionist foreign policy. The panel traced Graham’s political evolution from a critic of former President Trump and ally of John McCain to one of Trump’s most loyal supporters, highlighting his role in steering the president toward a more hawkish stance.

The discussion also addressed the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran under Trump’s administration. Notably, Jason Russell’s analysis revealed that gas prices in the U.S. rose by 29% within two months following the onset of the war with Iran. The editors debated whether this conflict has yielded any tangible benefits for the United States.

In domestic policy, the bipartisan housing bill recently passed by Congress was examined. The bill includes permitting and regulatory reforms aimed at reducing housing costs, though Trump has refused to sign it, leaving its future uncertain.

Additionally, the panel reviewed the collapse of Graham Platner’s Senate campaign, interpreting it as a reflection of challenges in Democratic candidate recruitment and the dynamics of populist politics. A listener’s question about the SAVE America Act’s voting requirements sparked a conversation on whether these rules might inadvertently foster a more informed electorate and potentially create conditions favorable for a libertarian political moment.

Other notable points included critiques of federal surveillance powers—some of which Lindsey Graham helped expand—and reflections on Senator Mitch McConnell’s recent hospitalization, which underscored concerns about gerontocracy in U.S. politics.

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